You and Mike. She jabbed a finger at me and I took a step back. I know you’ve got a history, and you should see him since you appeared. He’s wandering around like a lovesick puppy.

That’s nothing to do with me, I assured her.

Of course it is, she replied with a scowl. He’s told me how you blow hot and cold, how he’s tried to show you how he feels about you but you ignore him when it suits you.

Hang on, I replied. Where the hell has this come from? If Mike’s told you this then you need to consider how reliable he is. I have absolutely no interest in Mike Lowther, which he knows. Our relationship was over a long time ago, and that’s all there is to it.

She made a sceptical noise and shook her head. He told me you were a cold-hearted bitch.

The insult stung, but it didn’t surprise me. There are two sides to every story, Jess. I don’t think Mike would be too keen on you hearing my side of our relationship. It doesn’t paint him in a very positive light. But if you want to keep believing everything he tells you, that’s entirely up to you.

She paused for a moment, and I could see her considering what I’d said, but then shook her head. Of course you’d say that.

You said yourself that you ended your relationship because he was too controlling, I pointed out. Think about that. Anyway, why are you even bothered about this? He’s your ex.

Jess didn’t answer my question, but looked away, a slight flush rising in her cheeks. As I looked at her, realisation dawned.

Are you sleeping with him? I asked, trying to keep my question casual.

And why is that any of your business? she retorted.

It’s not, you’re right. I held my hands up in defeat. I just wondered if that was why you’d suddenly decided to have a go at me about him. It would make more sense if he wasn’t your ex.

It’s not serious, she said with a shrug.

Why would you go back to someone like him after the way he treated you? I asked, genuinely confused. I can tell you, he’s done far worse in the past.

She didn’t reply, but folded her arms defiantly. I really wanted to ask how she could sleep with someone else only days after her boyfriend was murdered. Had those tears been just for show, to convince the detectives that she was grieving?

Fine, don’t listen to my advice, I replied, throwing my hands up. I can’t force you.